Method and system for loading and unloading a machine tool with tools

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for loading tools ( 3, 3 ′) in and unloading them from a machine tool ( 5 ), whereby the tools ( 3, 3 ′) are removed from a magazine ( 1 ), transferred to an intermediate storage ( 11 ) and supplied from said intermediate storage ( 11 ) to the machine tool ( 5 ). The inventive method is characterized in that the tools ( 3, 3 ′), during transfer to the machine tool ( 5 ), are simultaneously removed from the intermediate storage ( 11 ) and the machine tool ( 5 ) or inserted into the same. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

1 .- 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . A method for loading and unloading a machine tool with tools, in which the tools are taken from a hopper at first to an intermediate storage unit and are supplied from the intermediate storage unit to the machine tool, wherein in a transfer to the machine tool the tools are taken via a changer apparatus simultaneously from the intermediate storage unit and the machine tool or are inserted into the same.  
   
   
       21 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the changer apparatus performs a rotational movement during the transfer.  
   
   
       22 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein a transfer of tools from the hopper to the intermediate storage unit and vice-versa occurs before or after the transfer of the tools from the changer apparatus to the machine tool.  
   
   
       23 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the intermediate storage unit performs a rotational movement during the transfer of tools to the hopper.  
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the tools are stored in the intermediate storage unit according to their sequence of use in the machine tool.  
   
   
       25 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the tools are received and stored in the intermediate storage unit via adapters.  
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the tools are subjected to a check and/or measurement prior to a return to the hopper.  
   
   
       27 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the tools are swiveled about an axis differing from their longitudinal axis in their transfer from the hopper to the intermediate storage unit or in their transfer from the intermediate storage unit to the machine tool.  
   
   
       28 . A system for loading and unloading a machine tool, comprising tools, a hopper for storing the tools, an intermediate storage unit for quickly providing tools, wherein a changer apparatus is additionally provided, which is configured to simultaneously remove tools from the intermediate storage unit and the machine tool or to insert them in the same.  
   
   
       29 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein the changer apparatus is arranged as a two-arm lever which can be pivoted about a central axis and is provided at its ends with tool holders.  
   
   
       30 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein the intermediate storage unit is provided with a rotatable configuration.  
   
   
       31 . A system according to  claim 30 , wherein the intermediate storage unit is arranged as a multi-arm lever whose arms project from a hub in a star-like manner in equal distances.  
   
   
       32 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein adapters are provided for receiving the tools from the hopper and for storing or receiving in the intermediate storage unit.  
   
   
       33 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein the hopper is arranged as a matrix hopper.  
   
   
       34 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein in addition an apparatus is provided for checking and/or measuring tools after use.  
   
   
       35 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein in addition a supply and removal apparatus is provided for used or damaged tools and new tools.  
   
   
       36 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein the apparatus for transporting the tools is arranged as an automatically controlled robot.  
   
   
       37 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein an apparatus is provided for pivoting the tools.  
   
   
       38 . A system according to  claim 28 , wherein the hopper is formed by a layered structure of sheet metal.